Day 16 :: The boyz… as told by Sally.

Funny thing. You know on Sundays we’ve been talking about brave Bible characters – Jesus and King David, so far. I’ve also been getting a few guest posters- Marie-Claire and Jules, so far.

Today I was going to write about Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, whom I like to call The Boyz.

Yesterday I got my sister Sally’s guest post, approximately 45 days late, and what did she write about? The Boyz. Crazy, huh?

So. Nevermind what I was going to say. She wrote it better anyways.

Sally, take it away…..

. . . . .

I have started and restarted this blog post multiple times. I thought about telling you about the bravest man I have ever seen (I was 4 and he climbed on top of the monkey bars…it’s a good story), I considered regaling you with my bravest life moments. I just couldn’t find a point in any of these stories. Now I am asking myself this question – What is the point of courage? Why be courageous?

In my quest for an answer, I read the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego [or Rack, Shack, and Benny for the Veggie Tales fans out there]. These fellas refused to bow down to the image of gold King Nebuchadnezzar had built knowing that the result would be death by fiery furnace. They knew they would be burned alive. Talk about courage! I have to be brave just to light a candle [matches burn quickly and flames get close to my fingers…no, thank you]. I love the entire story of these three men, but I have two favorite parts. The first is the response the men have for the king:

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” (Daniel 3:16-18, NIV)

They have the guts to defy the king’s command AND actually say they are ready and willing to die for it. They said it out loud. To the king. Wow.

And then they were tossed into the flames. Knowing the outcome, I wonder how it felt in there. I like to think that it was like being tossed into a room of perfect weather, 74 degrees with a nice breeze…and an angel. Wouldn’t that have been great? Anyways, back to the story – the three men walk out of the furnace without a singed hair on their heads, not even the smell of smoke was on them. A-mazing. And then my second favorite part of the story happens:

Then Nebuchadnezzar said, “Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants! They trusted in him and defied the king’s command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God. Therefore I decree that the people of any nation or language who say anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego be cut into pieces and their houses be turned into piles of rubble, for no other god can save in this way.” (Daniel 3:28-29, NIV)

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego’s courage directly resulted in the glorification of God.

So what is the point of courage? Why be courageous?

For the glory of God – that He may be known and exalted among the nations.

Praying today that we would all have the type of courage that would yield such a reward.

3 comments

Great post, Sally. I was in multiple productions of “Cool in the Furnace” back in my middle school days. (There’s a 35th anniversary edition now. What?) That story has always been amazing to me. And I LOVE Shane and Shane. Perfect way to start the day.

Great post Sally! Love Rack, Shack and Benny! Just have to say you have never heard “Burn us Up” any better than Levi, age 5. belting it out. He gets a few of the words wrong (which makes it priceless) but when having a conversation about it on the way to school one morning, Aaron asked him, “who saved them?” Levi answered with confidence, “OUR God.” We both may have cried a little. Loving these posts everyday Annie!

I remember reading a story about a couple who sold everything they owed move to the Sierra desert to study the sex life of the brown hyhenna.. they almost die twice on this adventure. Read this right before we left for the mission field of Bolivia. I found great courage when i finished that story because their courage had no eternal value and our courageous step of faith made the angels sing in heaven and we will see those won to the Lord in eternity. It is He who is courage and He lives inside of me by the power of the Holy Spirit, who gently whispers, take courage my daughter. Each post is getting better, look forward to the rest.